Hollywood Seeks Double The Oregon Tax Incentives

Portland's iconic White Stag sign is familiar to many television views

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Film and video producers are asking Oregon lawmakers to help make the state more attractive to their industry. One measure under consideration would double the amount of tax credits available to production companies who choose Oregon locations.

Dana Millican says once or twice a week, someone in Portland recognizes her. You might, too, if you've seen the chicken farm sketch on the TV show "Portlandia."

Millican has had guest roles on two other TV shows shot in Portland, "Leverage" and "Grimm." By day, she's an analyst for a Portland investment firm. But Millican says her acting roles make a real difference in her personal finances.

"All of the money that I've earned doing film and TV work I've put into a savings account," Millican says. "And I hope to purchase a home with that money."

Millican was one of many show business people who came to Salem to lobby for increased tax incentives. Supporters say the breaks create jobs both in front of and behind the camera. Critics question whether the incentives are needed for companies that might choose to set their production in Oregon anyway.